Lille OSC managed to continue their lead in Ligue 1 after serving Lens with a no-sweat beat on Friday in a game that concluded with a score of 3-0.

The game pivoted in favour of Lille very early as a fourth-minute penalty was tucked home by Burak Yilmaz.

Moreover, Lens’ Clement Michelin was sent off the field making the victory easier to grab for Lille as the opposition’s defense was left weak. Michelin has been sent off the field twice in the Derby du Nord this season.

The match resulted in a significant lead for Lille, who are now four points ahead of defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, who are set to go against Rennes this weekend.

Third-place Monaco are eight points behind with three games to play, reported AFP.

Lens, meanwhile, surrendered their hold on a guaranteed Europa League place, dropping below Marseille on goal difference.

Lille pressed from the start and won a penalty after 62 seconds as both Seko Fofana and Jonathan Clauss lunged into a challenge on Jonathan Bamba.

The 35-year old Yilmaz smashed the spot-kick in off the inside of the post.

Michelin, who was one of two Lens players sent off as Lens lost 4-0 at Lille in October, received his first yellow card for a tackle from behind on Yilmaz after 29 minutes, reported AFP.

He collected his second for jumping into Mehmet Zeki Celik rather than contesting a header after 35 minutes.

A few minutes later, Lens was served with another goal from Yilmaz, who sent the ball flying into the top corner.

Lille added a third after 60 minutes. Leca parried a Bamba shot straight to Jonathan David who scored.

Even though no spectators were permitted to witness the match from the stands, both teams received immense support from fans on their way to the stadium.